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Category Archives: Footwear

[amazon_link id=”B000HXEOBG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]Recommending hiking boots is a difficult thing to do. There are so many different brands and types on the market today (reference part 1 of our hiking boot guide), not to mention so many different aspects to finding the perfect fit (reverence part 2 of our hiking boot guide). Even though there are so many options out there, I have been using a pair of backpacking boots for several treks, and they are simply amazing. I decided to review these boots and give them my seal of approval. The are the Men’s Asolo TPS 520 GV backpacking boots. Let’s look at the features of these heavy duty boots below.

Features Of The Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots

For starters, these boots are made with a full grain leather upper, which provides a nice water barrier as well as a durable upper. They are lined with a Gore-Tex liner, which adds additional waterproofing, but allows adequate breathability. The cushion is a soft Lite 2 anatomic footbed. The outsole is Asolo’s triple power structure vibram rubber dual-density outsole. Here is an image of the different layers of the bottom of the boot.

The boots are a light 28 ounces each, which feels light for heavy-duty boots built with full grain leather. They also feature a higher cut upper, which will keep out most trail debris.

Product Specs

Upper: Water resistant full grain leather 2.6-2.8 mm

Lining: Gore-Tex performance comfort footwear

Lasting Board: Asoflex 00 MR

Anatomic Foot Bed: Lite 2

Sole: Triple Power Structure Asolo/Vibram rubber-PU (dual-density)

Fit: MM/MW/ML

Weight: 1/2 pair: 820 grams

Backpacking Samurai Thoughts

Out of the box, I have never had a pair of boots that were as trail ready as the Asolo TPS 520 GV boots were. The break in period was almost non-existant. They are very comfortable as well. One review I recently read stated the following:

“built like a tank, feels like a mink coat”

That pretty much sums up these boots. They are very durable, as I have been on several hikes already with minimal wear. I fully expect to get 10+ years of service out of these boots. They are also built very sturdy, offering great ankle support when carrying heavy loads on uneven terrain. And best of all, they are very comfortable. That same reviewer also said:

“If there is only one piece of gear I could save from a fire,

it would be my Asolo boots.”

The funny thing is I think I agree with the reviewer! One downside of these boots is their price tag of ~$280, but for 10+ years of service, this is a worthwhile investment. You need to take care of your feet, especially when hiking with a heavy load. The Asolo TPS 520 GV boots are, in my opinion, the best backpacking boots on the market.

Make sure you get the right fit. Don’t be afraid to return them if they don’t fit right. The come in men’s and women’s. Click on one of the following links to purchase yours today!

Alright, from part 1 of our hiking boot guide, you now know the different types of hiking boots, as well as the differences in the materials used and how they are put together. Now let’s jump into the most important aspect of choosing a hiking boot – the fit.

Hiking Boot Fit Guide

I have been on too many hiking trips in the past with improper footwear, and let me tell you, this can sabotage a hike faster than just about anything else. Blisters, black toenails, and rolled ankles are the common side effects of an improper fit or of improper footwear on the trail. To minimize these effects, not only do you need to choose the right type of footwear (high-cut boot for rough and uneven terrain hiking, for example), but the fit needs to be as close to perfect as possible.

Before You Shop

To achieve the right boot fit, you need to do a few things before you go to the store or start shopping online. Take a good look at your bare foot. What features do you see? Do you have runners toe (second toe longer than your big toe)? What about your foot’s arch? Is it flat or is it a sharp arch? Do you have a chronic sensitivity in one part of your foot (ie neuroma or plantar fasciitis)? Remember these features or sensitivities when you start trying on shoes.

Measure your feet before shopping. The process of trying on several different shoes will take a lot of time. Having a good idea what your shoe size will be will help narrow down the search. Measure your foot’s length, width (at widest point, usually just behind the toes), and arch height. Below is a good sizing chart to use, with instructions on measuring your feet correctly.

Another great way to measure your feet and have an accurate guess of your shoe size is to use a Brannock Foot Measuring Device (pictured below). If you don’t have access to one, you can do this when you go to the store. If you are shopping online, it might be a good idea to go to a shoe store and use their measuring device to know your measurements.

Brannock Foot Measuring Device

Finding The Perfect Fit

Store Shopping

Now you are ready to head to the store to try on some boots. This is going to take some time. You might get lucky and find the perfect fit on the first pair of shoes you try on, but not likely. So plan for a couple hours of fitting, and make sure you are shopping somewhere that you can ask questions. The first thing you will want to do (if you haven’t at home) is take your measurements on one of those foot measurement things, called Brannock foot measuring devices (pictured above). But remember to do this with the socks that you will be hiking with, along with any other inserts you plan to use (such as a liner or gel sole insert). It’s OK to just measure your feet at home (since you are getting an estimate of your measurements), but when you are actually fitting your boots, you MUST include these other items.

REI Salt Lake

Have a plan when you go to the store. For example, I bring a notebook with me and take notes as I go. This is especially helpful if you are switching between several different brands. Sizes aren’t usually consistent across brands, which can get confusing and hard to remember. While trying on each pair, walk around the store, and if possible, go up and down stairs and up and down inclines. Spend some time in the shoes. Move on if you feel any pinching, squeezing, or discomfort anywhere. Be sure to lace each pair up like you would on the trail. Remember that your toes shouldn’t hit the end of the toe box, especially while coming down the inclines. Adjust the laces to see if that helps.

Here are a few good fitting tips to consider when sizing your hiking boot:

Your toes should wiggle freely at the end of the boot with your heel against the back of the boot. This ensures that you have the right length.

Your feet should not slide side to side while walking in the boot. This ensures that you have the proper width.

The space all around your foot (top, bottom, sides, front, and back) should be snug, remembering that your toes should be able to wiggle freely. This ensures that you have the proper volume.

If your foot slips around while you are on the trail, you will develop blisters and jam your toenails when going down hill (black toenails). The fit should be snug, but not squeezing your foot at any point.

Try on several different pairs, and don’t settle on a pair because they look cool, fit your budget, or because the sales rep likes them the best. You are looking for the perfect fit, and that is the most important reason to choose one boot over another. Sure, if you are looking for a full-grain leather boot over a synthetic boot, or low-cut over high-cut boots, those are important considerations as well. So to narrow down your choices, only try on boots of the specific type you are looking for rather than every boot in the store. This will prevent you from choosing a boot for any other reason other than the fit.

Narrow Your Options

After you have tested several pairs of shoes in the store, make a list of 3 or 4 pairs that could be winners based on the fit. Once you have that list, you can narrow down your list based on the features you like from the boots on your list and based on your budget. Just make sure you aren’t sacrificing fit and comfort for anything else, especially for something that is purely cosmetic. You’re not walking down the runway of a fashion show. Comfort is key.

When you decide on a pair, be sure to wear them at home for several hours. Walk around your home (keep them clean, of course, so you don’t mess them up so much that the store won’t allow a return). Make sure after a day or two that they are still the most comfortable they can be. If not, don’t hesitate to take them back and try a different pair. Let me reiterate that point again – don’t hesitate to take them back and try a different pair if they don’t fit perfectly. This is really important.

Online Shopping

What if you are not fond of shopping in stores? Buying hiking boots online is a little bit more complex than buying any other pair of shoes online, especially since the fit needs to be as close to perfect as possible. But it can be done. What I recommend is taking exact measurements of your feet. Be sure to shop with retailers that allow returns, and purchase a few pairs that are close to your measurements to try out. Wear them around for several hours until you find the pair that fits you the best. Don’t be afraid to send a pair back and request a different size. Remember, the key is to find the best fit possible.

Another tip for online shoppers is to stick with a brand you have used and liked in the past, as many brands will have consistent sizing between models. If all else fails, have your foot measured at a local shoe store, and use those measurements in your online shopping. I have even tried on hiking boots at my local outdoor shop (which has very high prices) to find the boot and size I like, and then found the same boot online for much less.

The Bottom Line

“Be good to your feet and your feet will be good to you.” Remember this saying as you go about finding the hiking boot that best fits your hiking needs. It is not uncommon to have tired feet after a long, rough hike. But a good pair of hiking boots will make it so you spend more time enjoying the hike, nature, and your friends and family than you do noticing the aches and pains on your feet.

This wraps up our two part hiking boot guide. This guide will be made available in the form of a free downloadable E-book, so keep an eye out for it. What did we miss? What has helped you find your perfect pair of hiking boots? Any suggestions for our readers? Please feel free to leave feedback or ask questions in the comment section below. Happy trails!

Choosing The Right Hiking Boots

When it comes to backpacking, choosing the right hiking boots is one of the most important gear decisions you will make. ‘Take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you.’ It is a simple saying, but it really does ring true for backpackers. Comfort for your feet is essential on a backpacking trip, so the same care that you choose a backpack you need to devote to choosing the right hiking boots. A perfect fit is what you are ultimately looking for, and that perfect fit will allow you to hike farther with less pain, allowing you to enjoy nature and the great outdoors to the fullest.

There are several different things to think about when looking at and trying on different hiking boots. Ask yourself these questions:

What type of hiking will I be doing? For how long? In what weather? On what type of terrain?

These questions will hopefully help you to start narrowing down your boot choices. In part 1 of our hiking boot guide, we will look at the types of hiking boots out there, as well as the materials and construction used to put them together. This will help you narrow down your options before you start trying some on. Let’s look at the types and characteristics of hiking boots below.

Types of Hiking Boots

Light Hiking Boots

There are three basic types of hiking boots. Light hiking boots are low-cut shoes that look like trail running tennis shoes. They usually have mesh materials for easy breathing and beefy rubber soles for traction. They are lightweight (compared to other boots) but don’t offer much ankle support or load cushioning. Since they are lower around the ankles, dirt, pebbles and debris will easily get into your shoes, so it is advisable to utilize some gaiters. These are perfect for short day hikes or some overnight or weekend trips that keep you on smooth trails, with little off trail hiking. The image below is an example of a light hiking boot, the [amazon_link id=”B000LP2MH8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Merrell Moab waterproof trail shoes[/amazon_link].

Mid- to High-Cut Hiking Boots

The second type is your basic mid- to high-cut hiking boot. These are the standard hiking boots that are heavier than the light version but offer much more ankle support and cushioning for heavier loads and longer hikes. The higher cut also helps to keep out dirt, pebbles and debris better than the lower cut trail shoes. These boots will allow you to hike more uneven terrain for multiple day or extended trips. The first image below is the [amazon_link id=”B004D3C8LE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Merrell Moab Mid waterproof hiking boot[/amazon_link], which is a mid-cut hiking boot, and the second image is the [amazon_link id=”B001N0IJWC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Asolo Flame GTX hiking boot[/amazon_link], which is a more high-cut hiking boot.

Backpacking/Mountaineering Boots

The third type is the heavy-duty backpacking hiking boot (often referred to as mountaineering boots). These boots are rugged, insulated, offer full support and cushioning, and allow you to attach crampons for glacier or ice navigation. The image below is of the [amazon_link id=”B0018SB9VC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Zamberlan Vioz GT backpacking boot[/amazon_link], which is an all season heavy duty high-cut hiking boot. The second image shows the [amazon_link id=”B004IWRKH2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Salewa Rapace Gore-Tex mountaineering boot[/amazon_link], which is crampon compatible and suitable for all seasons.

The more rugged your terrain is and the more weight you are carrying, the better off you will be with more ankle support and cushioning. As you might expect, the price usually goes from low to high from the light to the heavy duty boots. Now you are aware of the different types of hiking boots. Now let’s look at how they are put together.

Hiking Boot Construction

Understanding how hiking boots are put together will give you a better appreciation for what each type of boot is trying to accomplish, and will further help you to narrow down your search.

Upper

Starting with the top of the boot and working down, let’s look at how they are built. The top material is the portion of the boot that laces up on the sides and on top of your foot, as well as the material up the back. Leather is a common material used in hiking boots, but synthetic materials are also common nowadays.

Full-grain leather is the most durable material for the top of your boot. It is water resistant and abrasion resistant. It is heavy duty material, used mostly on backpacking and mountaineering boots designed for heavy loads and extended trips. It offers great ankle support as well. Full-grain leather is heavy and not very breathable. It is also stiff, and requires you to break the boot in for a longer period of time. Also expect higher costs associated with full-grain leather boots. Here is an example of a boot that employs full-grain leather construction – [amazon_link id=”B002YM2LD6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]the Asolo TPS 520 GV hiking boot[/amazon_link].

Synthetic materials on the top of the boot are also common on many hiking boots on the market today. Synthetic nylon and polyester are lighter, more flexible, and cost less than leather. Because they are more flexible, they break in a lot easier than their leather counterparts. They are, however, not as durable as leather. You will usually find synthetic materials on the lower cost light hiking shoes, like the [amazon_link id=”B0050CEOSM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Merrell Trail Glove hiking shoe[/amazon_link] pictured below.

There are some leather-synthetic combination uppers (split-grain leather and nubuck leather is often paired with nylon), which combines the breathability and flexibility of the synthetic material with the durability of the leather. The [amazon_link id=”B004KKZ6SW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Keen Targhee II Mid hiking boot[/amazon_link] below features a nubuck-nylon combination upper.

Keep in mind the terrain and weather you intend to hike. If you expect wet conditions, consider adding a weatherproof lining to your boots. These linings are usually some kind of Gore-Tex material. These liners will add a layer inside your boot, so if you intend on using one, be sure to fit your boot with the liner (we’ll cover the boot’s fit in part 2). Including a liner will also add insulation to your feet, which is a good thing in colder weather, but not so good in warm weather.

Midsole

The midsole is the part of your boot that cushions your feet (directly under your feet). The midsole cushions your feet from the shocks of hiking while on the trail. This portion of the boot will also help determine the boot’s stiffness. Most hiking boots utilize ethylene vinly acetate (EVA) or polyurethane as the midsole. EVA is cheaper and lighter, and can vary in density at different parts of the foot. It is less durable than the more expensive polyurethane, which is usually more stiff (often found in the heavy-duty backpacking and mountaineering boots).

Shank and Plate

Underneath the midsole is the shank. The shank’s purpose is to add stiffness to the midsole. They can vary in length, from covering the entire midsole to only portions (heal and pad). Underneath the shank, many hiking boots include a plate. This is another support level that adds stiffness to the midsole. They are flexible, and their purpose is to protect your feet from sharp rocks bruising your feet.

Outsole

Below the support layers lies the outsole. All hiking boots utilize rubber, and the hardness of the rubber varies greatly. Harder outsoles are more durable and better suited to rough terrain. They can feel more slick and have less grip on certain surfaces. Softer rubber outsoles are more grippy, but also are more susceptible to wear and tear. There are also many different tread patterns, and they vary by brand and hiking boot type. Most backpacking boots feature a heel break, which is a tread pattern that adds extra traction when descending hills with a heavy load on your back (lug pattern on the outsold pictured below).

Construction

Putting all of these pieces together is usually done by the use of adhesives. It is fast and easy to put them together this way, and generally a durable way to do it. Just beware that high heat can ruin the adhesives holding your boots together. Don’t put your boots next to a fire to dry, and don’t keep them stored in a hot area or vehicle.

Now That You Know The Types And Materials . . .

Now that you know the different types of hiking boots and also what materials are used and how hiking boots are put together, you will better be able to choose the type and finish you need for your hiking needs. But how do you choose what size to buy? The fit is the most critical step to choosing a hiking boot. Click here for part 2 of our hiking boot guide, where we will cover how to find the right fit for your hiking boot, as well as some in-store and online shopping tips.